Pet Loss Grief Support: Guide to Choosing a Therapist, Counselor, or Coach

Losing a beloved pet can feel like losing a family member. The grief that follows is real and often overwhelming. Many people seek support during this difficult time, but the variety of professionals available can be confusing. You might wonder: What exactly is the difference between a pet grief coach, therapist, specialist, or counselor? Understanding these roles can help you find the right kind of support for your unique needs.

Why Is Pet Grief Different from other grief?The rEason you may want specialIZED Pet Loss support

Before exploring the different types of support, it’s important to recognize what pet grief involves. The loss of a pet can trigger deep sadness, guilt, anger, or loneliness. Unlike human loss, pet grief is sometimes misunderstood or minimized by others, which can make healing harder, especially if you are already working with a a professional who is not an animal person. Pet grief support professionals help people process these emotions and find ways to cope with this disenfranchised category of grief.

So what are the different types of helpers out there? Let's take a look at some of the common titles you will find in pet grief directories.

Pet Grief Coach

A pet grief coach focuses on helping you navigate the emotional journey after losing a pet. They provide practical tools and strategies to manage grief and rebuild your life. Unlike therapists, coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders such as depression. Instead, they offer encouragement, goal-setting, and motivation. While coaching certificates do exist, there is no formal training required to become a pet grief coach.

What a Pet Grief Coach Does

• Helps you identify and express your feelings about the loss

• Offers coping techniques like journaling, mindfulness, or rituals

• Supports you in creating new routines without your pet

• Encourages self-care and emotional resilience

• Provides ongoing guidance as you adjust to life after loss

  
  

When to Choose a Pet Grief Coach

If you feel stuck in your grief but do not have symptoms of depression or anxiety that interfere with daily life, a coach can be a great option. They help you move forward with compassion and practical advice.

Pet Loss Specialist

A pet loss specialist is someone offering specific support in grief related to animals. This role can overlap with therapists, counselors, or coaches but emphasizes knowledge about the unique bond between humans and pets. In order to become a pet grief specialist, no formal training is required, however there are some organizations, such as the APLB, who offer a certificate for completing their course.

What Makes a Pet Loss Specialist Different

• Deep understanding of pet-owner relationships

• Awareness of common grief reactions specific to pet loss

• Familiarity with euthanasia, sudden death, and other pet loss scenarios

• Tailored support that respects the special place pets hold in people’s lives

  
  

When to Seek a Pet Loss Specialist

If you want brief support from someone who truly understands the nuances of losing a pet, a specialist is a good choice. They can offer empathy and insight that general grief professionals might not provide. However, they often lack the qualifications to support you in more complicated grief. A pet grief specialist does not need any formal education or training to use the title. A pet grief specialist  is a good fit if you only need 1-3 sessions to process your grief.

Pet Grief Counselor

A counselor offers emotional support and practical advice to help you cope with grief. Counselors usually are skilled in listening and guiding clients through difficult emotions. They may or may not be formally trained. While a LPCC is a fully licensed master's degree level clinician, many people call themselves a "counselor" without any education or training. If it is important for you to find support from someone trained in mental health, you should ask the counselor if they are a licensed clincian.

Role of a Counselor in Pet Grief

• Offers a compassionate ear and validation of your feelings

• Helps you explore your grief story and find meaning

• Suggests coping strategies and resources

• Supports decision-making around memorials or new pets

  
  

When a Counselor Is Helpful

If you want someone to talk to who can help you sort through your feelings and provide comfort, a counselor can be a valuable resource. They often work in community centers, veterinary offices, or private practice.

Pet Grief Therapist

A therapist, or more formally a psychotherapist, is a licensed mental health professional trained to diagnose and treat emotional and psychological issues. Therapists use evidence-based methods to help clients work through grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression.

How a Therapist Helps with Pet Loss

Provides the same support & tools as a pet grief specialist, counselor, and coach.

In addition, a pet loss grief therapist also...

• Explores the impact of pet loss on your mental health

• Identifies complicated grief or related disorders

• Uses techniques such as EMDR for grief counseling

• Provides a safe space to process intense emotions

• Helps develop long-term coping skills

• Can manage suicidal thoughts

• Can provide support in other aspects of your life concurrently

  
  

When to See a Therapist

If your grief leads to persistent sadness, withdrawal, or difficulty functioning, a therapist can provide specialized care. They can also support you if pet loss triggers past trauma or worsens existing mental health conditions. A therapist is the best option if you want to have professional support from an individual with formal & extensive psychology training.

How to Choose the Right Support for You

Choosing the right professional depends on your feelings, needs, and situation. Here are some questions to consider:

• Are my emotions interfering with daily life or relationships?

• Do I want practical advice or deeper emotional healing?

• Would I prefer someone with specific pet loss experience?

• Am I comfortable talking to someone with no formal training?

• What is my budget and availability for sessions?

• Do I want to use insurance or a Health Savings Account to pay for sessions?

• Am I looking for specific modalities, such as EMDR?

• Do I want long term support, or am I just looking for someone to meet with 1-3 times?

• Would it help to talk about other aspects of my daily life & well being or do I just need someone to discuss this pet loss with?

• Am I feeling excessively depressed or anxious?

  
  

Something to keep in mind is that many individuals are also capable of offering different services. For example, a pet grief therapist can also provide some tools that a coach and specialist use. Additionally, many individuals provide all of these services, but you may need to consult in advance about which is the best fit for you. Generally, the more qualifications a person has, the better. If you are losing your patience sorting through a directory of pet loss grief support helpers, your best bet is to find one who ticks all the boxes. Here at Marina Resa Therapy, we are pleased to tailor our care for your unique needs.